Two ball fields at the new Ryan Bonaminio Park will bear the name of Riversideâs first mayor, Sam C. Evans.

Evans was a member of a family with a long history of service to the city, including donating the land for Evans Park. The Riverside City Council approved the naming of the Sam C. Evans Baseball Fields at its Tuesday, Jan. 15, meeting.

The Community Services and Youth Committee approved the idea in August.

Evans Park Little League now plays at the Evans Sports Complex, but Bonaminio Park will be its new home once it opens. Riverside City College teams also call the Evans complex home.

The idea to honor Evans was taken to Ralph NuÃ±ez, the cityâs parks, recreation and community services director, from a friend of the Evans family and council members Mike Gardner and Chris Mac Arthur.

City officials have discussed inviting members of the Evans family to the grand opening of Bonaminio Park.

The park is being constructed at the corner of Tequesquite and Palm avenues. The $10 million park, named for slain Riverside Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio, will include ball fields, a playground, walking paths, a community garden. Its parking area also will serve Mount Rubidoux Park.

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